Teen Trio Accused Of Beating Boy, 14

Crystal Lake — Three teenagers are accused of beating a 14-year-old Crystal Lake Central High School student Monday afternoon in what police said was a gang-related attack.

Jason R. Whittaker, 17, of 738 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, faces felony charges of aggravated battery and mob action. Two male Central High students, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, were charged in juvenile petitions with aggravated battery and mob action.

All of the accused are members of a widely-known Chicago street gang, according to police.

Police said the three suspects saw the victim walk by a home about 1 1/2 blocks from school shortly after classes let out on Monday. The 14-year-old ordered the other two to attack the boy, police said.

The victim is affiliated with a rival street gang, according to police. He was punched, kicked and elbowed in the face and head. Officers described his injuries as "extensive" and "severe."

The boy was taken to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington for treatment and was released Tuesday, according to authorities.

Officers arrested Whittaker and the 14-year-old on Monday.

Police described the younger boy as the apparent leader of the trio and said they have had frequent contact with him. The boy was held overnight at the juvenile detention center in Joliet. At an appearance in Juvenile Court in Woodstock on Tuesday afternoon, the youth was ordered held in custody and was returned to Joliet.

Whittaker was being held in lieu of $30,000 bond Tuesday at McHenry County Jail.

Police said they arrested the 15-year-old Tuesday morning when the boy reported for classes at the high school. He was released to his parents. A juvenile court date is pending.